Smiles of the Heart – Episode 36

Smiles of the heart ( Obianuju II)

Written by Princess Juliet

Episode 36

Rescued 2

Ademilade.

My brain stuttered for a moment and my eyes took in more light than I expected, every part of me went on pause while my thoughts caught up.

“Dave.”I choked out the name. My lungs felt heavy and dampened. I was so shocked that I couldn’t react. I stood staring at him, my hatred and fury growing.

“My oh my, look who we have here.” he grinned and did a slow clap, the sound echoing around the silent room. “The almighty Ademilade himself.” his dark gaze mocked me. “It has been a really long time, you know.”

“What exactly do you want from me?” I muttered through clenched teeth. I was annoyed at being watched by those monovalent, mocking eyes of his. Gosh! Why can’t he just let me be? I owe him nothing, do I?

“I want your life…..”his grin faded and his gaze became intense. “No, please no.”Obianuju let out a small whimper.
I stared down at her and held her close as she wept softly into my chest. “……And your wife.”Dave words sent a rush of anger through me, and I scowled.

“You bas***d.” I lifted my gaze and met his. He smiled dryly and leaned back against the door. “Haven’t you hurt me enough already?”I yelled at him.

“Well! Not until I f**k your wife.” he drawled lazily.

“Then you must be crazy.” I drawled right back at him. “And delusional.” I made no attempt to hide the disgust in my eyes. Ugh! Someone had to tell him the truth.

“What did you just say?” he slit his eyes and glared at me.

“You are delusional.” I spelled it out and glared into his dark, soulless eyes, daring him to do his worst.

His hand dropped to his side and his eyes flashed with anger. “Are you being serious right now?” his penetrating gaze prowled over my face and pounced on my eyes, but I wasn’t scared.

I held his gaze, my own anger boiling deep inside me and it didn’t feel very righteous.

How dare he try to humiliate my wife!—A big no-no. I can’t take that from him, nor anyone else.

“You want to ki*ll me right?” I took a step forward towards him and in spite of my obvious anger, actually smiled. “Fine! Then go ahead.” my voice came out in a raspy whisper. “Go ahead and sh00t me dead.”

“No, Ademilade.”Obianuju screamed so loud that my heart skipped a beat. “You can’t die like this.”She clung to me with an intensity that hurt.
I gazed down at her and saw the tears gathering in her eyes.

“Don’t cry baby. Please!”I spoke softly and intimately to her.

“You must not die Demi.” her whisper was almost too quiet for me to hear.

D*mn! I cursed silently to myself. I felt so lost and confused.

I bit down on my bottom lips and studied her face, noticing for the first time the swelling around her eyes.

F**k me! I couldn’t let the bas***d hurt her anymore.

I lowered her feet to the ground and gently pushed her against the wall beside the window. She gasped and winced in the process.

“Sorry.” I leaned down and whispered softly in her ear, fully aware of Dave’s intense gaze on us.

The bas***d must be wondering what our motives were. And hell no! It wasn’t his damn business.

“He is watching us, the monster is watching us.”Obianuju muttered. I could hear her voice shaking and her whole body was trembling before me.

“Hey! Hey! Hey!”I lifted her chin and cupped it in my hands, forcing her to look into my eyes. “It is gonna be alright.” I smiled down at her reassuringly.

She watched me with an intent gaze, that confused me, as if she was trying to read my mind. “But …he..is threatening….to….ki*ll you.”her voice broke helplessly.

“That is all the more reason why you need to get out of here.” I brushed a strand of hair from her face and stroked her cheek gently. “I will help you  through the window.”

“No way!” she shook her head quickly. “I can’t leave………”she paused to sniff and wiped her nose. “I can’t leave you here alone.”

I scoffed silently. Is she even listening to me??

“See babe! I understand how you feel, but this isn’t the time for emotional sentiments. Your life, our baby’s life is at stake here and I need to protect you ……..:”

 

“”You seem to have forgotten so soon?”she cut in, with an expression of sadness on her face.

“Forgotten what?” I retorted sharply. Gosh! In my entire life, I have never seen a stubborn woman like her.

“The vows we made,” she whispered softly. “Do you remember them?” her question left me absolutely speechless.
I stood on the spot, staring at her blankly, my mind numb.

Is she willing to die with me? I blinked back the tears that threatened to cloud my vision. I couldn’t possibly cry in front of her.

“We promised to stick to each other through thick and thin.” she reminded. “Hun!! Till death do us apart, right?” she questioned and looked at me with a calm, steady gaze.

“D*mn you woman!” I breathe in her familiar scent, fearing it could be my last. “Why do you love f**king with my brain?”I drew her close and planted a kiss on her forehead.

“Because I love you so much.”she gazed up into my face and smiled.

I returned the smile. “I love you too.”

 

“Enough of the love bullshit.” Dave roared behind us. “Aren’t you guys done with the goodbyes?” he sounded irritated.

Just in time! I gave Obianuju a quick kiss on the lip before I turned around and faced him.

“Let the girl go.” I told him bluntly.

“And what if I don’t?” he growled in reply. “Are you going to disturb me as a ghost?”he rolled his eyes at me sarcastically.

“I am serious Dave.” I yelled. Even though I was pleading, my voice had developed a surprising sternness of its own, making my words sound more like a command than a plea.

For a moment he looked taken aback, then a slow, languid smile crossed his features.

“I love the look in your eyes, it makes me want to f**k your wife right in front of you.”his lips twisted mockingly.

Holy sh*t! I clenched my fist in frustration and annoyance. This bas***d is really asking for it.

Right at that moment, I felt Obianuju’s fingers intertwine with mine and I squeezed it gently. She was actually leaning against my arm for support.

“What?”he threw his head back and laughed heartily. “Are you scared I might do that?” I could hear the excitement in his voice, and it made my head scream fire.

“You Lunatic.” I spat at him. Yes! that is what he is, a crazy lunatic who needs to die right now. Anger flooded through me, I couldn’t hold it back any longer. I forcefully snatched my hand out of Obianuju’s grasp and she landed on the floor with a thud.

But I was least bothered about that. I was so blinded by my rage, I couldn’t control what I was doing. God help me! I wanted to ki*ll the bas***d with my own hands.

I huffed and charged toward him with full force, stopping only when I heard the unmistakable sound of a gun being cocked.

Oh right! The b!st*rd got me cornered.

 

“I wanted to give you the chance to say your last prayer, but seeing you act foolishly made me change my mind.” his eyes locked with mine. It was deadly and unflinching…….,,

“As a coward that you are right?” I mocked him. I didn’t want to give him a reason to feel triumphant. If I go down I will go down fighting.

“I am not a coward,” he said through gritted teeth. My words were affecting him, obviously.

“Then do away with the gun and let’s thrash this out in a more mature way.”I really hoped I sounded convincing enough.

“You son of a b**ch.” his angry voice was accompanied by a slap and I burst into a bitter laugh.

“Yes! that is the way it should be. Don’t be a coward, bring it on.”I teased him further in an attempt to infuriate him.

“Shut the f**k up.”his eyes smoldered with hatred and he growled. “I am going to destroy you.” he pinned me against the wall and began choking me.

“Ademilade.” Obianuju echoed in a shaken tone.

I slowly turned in the direction of her voice and saw she was sitting with her back against the wall, watching us silently with tears-filled eyes.

What is she still waiting for? Get…. the…. hell…. out….. of ….. here.” I struggled with my words choking out air, but she didn’t budge, She didn’t even act like she heard me.

My anger faltered and sorrow filled me. Sh*t! What the hell is keeping Susanna so long? I closed my eyes for a moment— a reflex
that sometimes happens when I need to gather my strength and punched Dave twice in the neck. “Arrgh!”he yelled and pulled away in an instant.

“What?”I sniggered. “Is it painful?” I didn’t wait for him to step back but kicked his stomach as hard as I could.

He stumbled back with a groan and gritted his teeth in silent fury. “You are already a dead man.”he raised his gun and aimed it at me. “Rot in hell Demi.”

The atmosphere in the room became tenser and I closed my eyes, shutting my ears to my wife’s loud screams.

I guess this is the end for me! I took a deep breath, anticipating my death, but it never came.   All I heard was a strange sound, like a firecracker or something similar.

I slowly opened my eyes and saw Dave cocking his gun relentlessly, his eyes looking so unsure.

I got confused for a moment, and then the realization lifted my brows. Ha! Ha! There was no bullet in the f**king gun.

A surge of adrenaline ran through me and made my blood quicken. Without thinking twice, I pounced on the beast and knocked him hard to the ground. “You are the only dead man here.”I waited for him to face me then punched him hard on the nose drawing blood.

In the distance and getting closer, I heard the wail of police sirens and about five to eight gunshots went off, filling the air.

“Thank God! the police are here already.” Obianuju let out a sigh of relief and Dave shuddered beneath me.

“Screw you Demi.”his eyes seemed slightly dilated as he struggled with me

I laughed so hard I nearly cried. Who am I? I couldn’t tell. My inner beast has awoken.

My hand reached down and grabbed his by the collar.

I felt like I am outside myself.  I watched myself drag the beast out of the room and beat him to the dirt.

My fist clutter on his face and I swung my knee into his stomach. He coughed loudly and raised his hand to hit me, but I kicked him again before he could even begin to strike.
Die! Die!Die!” I lifted my voice and cried out in pain.

 

“That is enough son.”

The sudden voice startled me a little. I turned in the direction and saw three policemen in the room. “I am Detective Edun.” the older-looking one among them introduced himself.”You should let him go.” he took a quick glance at the groaning Dave. He was badly hurt and had his face covered with bruises. Unlike me who had just a little scratch. “We will take it up from here.”

Take it up! Like to Jail him. “No way.” I snarled. “I want to ki*ll him with my own hands.

The Detective chuckled lightly. “I understand how you feel, but you shouldn’t take laws into your hands.”he preached.

Like seriously!!! I scoffed aloud. “This bas***d kidnapped my wife.” I glared down at Dave. “He almost killed me. He is a murderer, for crying out loud!

“I know.” The Detective’s voice was so calm. “My Nephew already told me everything.”

“Nephew!”I raised a quizzical eyebrow at him, waiting…..

“Tobi.” he came to my rescue and I looked away, nodding slowly.

No wonder he is acting all gentle with me!!!

Reluctantly, I loosened my grip on Dave’s collar but not before giving him a thunderous slap. He gasped and started to cough terribly. bas***d! I spat at him. He wanted trouble, right? here is the real trouble.

I jumped over him into the sitting room and found my wife seated limp against the sofa.

“It is time to go wifey.”I pulled her in my arms and lifted her gently, carrying out bridal style, out of the room.

“So he isn’t dead sef.”she hissed loudly as we walked past  Dave and the officers.

“No.” I met Dave’s gaze for a split second and it was threatening………Is he mocking me?oh jeez! I stormed out of the house and stopped short.

Everyone I considered family was out here waiting for us, including little Eliana.

“Are you both alright?” a thousand voices asked.

All I could do was nod. I was so damn speechless. They came for me, my friends are here for me.

“You should learn to listen to me.” Tobi scolded me. “What if the bas***d had shot you dead?”he reached down and caressed Obianuju’s cheeks tenderly. “Are you alright?” he asked her, his voice calm and soothing.

“Fine.” She answered and clung to me tightly.

I couldn’t help, but smile. The love he has for her was so pure and genuine. I must confess It makes me jealous at times.

“You told  your uncle about it?”I questioned and let my eyes wander around the compound filled with men in black uniform.

“Yep,” he replied, popping the p. “We were just in time.”

“The Police here were having a problem trusting Susanna’s words.” Kewe continued from where he stopped.”Can you imagine! They even called her a prankster.”his teeth were grinding loudly enough for me to hear. I had never seen him this upset.

“Susanna!” Obianuju gasped and I stared down at her, meeting her curious gaze. “Did Susanna…..really…..help…..me?”she picked her words.

I merely smiled and looked away from her. I was in no mood for her endless questions.

“Where is Susanna?” I asked instead.

“Over there.” Kewe nodded in the opposite direction. I followed his gaze and saw Susanna talking to a policewoman, her face stifled into lines of the utmost seriousness. Funmi and a crying Eliana were beside her.

“Chai! Women and gossip.”Tobi retorted and began to laugh.

It wasn’t that I didn’t get the joke, I just didn’t think it was funny. I was half dead with worry and all I wanted right now was revenge……..”

“Dave is out.”Kewe’s voice interjected my thinking process and  I turned around just in time to see a police officer push the “beast” into a van.

Rage pounded through my body. I couldn’t possibly let him get away this time. I mean what if he tries to escape again? No! No! No! It would be suicidal.

“Can I trust your uncle?” I directed my question to Tobi.

He was silent for a moment before nodding his head slowly. “Why did you ask?” he opened the car door and  held it open for me.

“Nothing.” I simply replied and gently placed Obianuju in the passenger seat, slamming the door shut, then started around to the other side.

” you want to ki*ll Dave right?” Tobi’s question brought me to a complete halt.  How did he know my mind! I looked at him and he smiled a cynical smile at me. “I will assist you.”

I nodded wordlessly and climbed into the driver seat, closing the door behind me.

Starting the car, I slowly drove out of the crowded compound.

“Can you please drive me to the hospital?” Obianuju begged.

I glanced at her and saw she was fiddling with her fingers.  “I want to see Landon.” she explained.

“Oh! Alright.”I stepped on the brake and made a quick u-turn, driving down the road as I headed to the school hospital( OOUTH).

*

 

Landon.

The stark smell of bleach was overwhelming. I scrunched my eyes at the bright light that was sipping through my closed eyelids. I felt powerless and heavy. I could not move my hand and my body.

I slowly started blinking, desperately trying to open my eyes and see what is around me. Where am I? As the blinding light slowly subsided I could take a look around my surroundings.

F**k! I was at the hospital.

The room was pristine clean and gloomy. Typical hospital bed, IV, and monitors beeping. The walls were a sickly blue colour and the linens were greyish.

This place looked nothing like a room where a patient should be motivated to get better. If anything the murky room was making me even more nauseous. Yuck!!

 

The sudden sound of the creaking door startled me. I looked up just in time to see a slim lady dressed in a nurse uniform walk in.

“You are finally awake?” she observed, smiling.

“Isn’t it obvious?” I sniggered dryly. Gosh!! I really can’t wait to leave this d**n place.

Her smile broadened into a grin and she began adjusting the IV fluid, shaking my left arm in the process.

“Ooch! That hurts.”I winced in pain.

“Sorry.”she glanced down at me before stepping back. “You should take a rest.” she began walking to the entrance, but stopped all of a sudden and faced me.

“There is a little girl who wants to see you.”

“Little girl?” I cocked an inquisitive eyebrow at her.

“Yes.” he nodded slowly. “She’s been waiting for over thirty minutes now. I asked her to return but she bluntly refused saying she lives far away.

“Doesn’t she have a name?”I snapped at her.

“Oh that!” she scratched the back of her head nervously. “I forgot to ask.”

Tsk… Tsk… Tsk…. what a dumb nurse! “Let her in.”

“Alright sir.”she flashed me a smile before leaving the room.

I heaved a deep sigh and stared miserable up at the ceiling.
Even though all the events of last night were still fresh in my memory, I could hardly believe they really happened.

Dave! My own brother shot at me. After all I did for him, he wanted me dead. unbelievable!!

It was a painful memory that I felt would haunt me forever.

“Landon.” a tiny voice interrupted my thoughts.

I slowly turned in the direction and my eyes nearly popped out of my head.

My little friend was standing by the door, looking so stunning in a deep wine-coloured, sleeveless dress that was very simple, yet flattered every aspect of her figure. D**n!

“Chichi.” I started to sit up, grimaced and sank back weakly against the pillow. “What are you doing here”

She stood quiet for a moment, watching me with a blank expression and then rushed to the bed, sitting beside me. “Oh God! I never expected the injury to be this severe.” she began to cry. “The …news ….didn’t ….explain ….it … this….way.”she struggled to control her emotions as the words came out.

I laid there, totally confused as I watched her cry. How did she get here? Last time I checked, she is a teenager living under the watchful eyes of her bulldog father.

“Is your dad aware that you are here?” I knew it was a stupid question to ask but I wanted to know.

“I lied,” she confessed. “I told him I was coming to check on my sister.”

“Oh my God!” I breathe a sigh of relief Obianuju! she is safe. “Where is she? How is she? Did she get hurt?” I rushed my questions.

“Is my sister supposed to be hurt?” she looked at me, clearly confused.

Oops! so she isn’t aware of it!!!

“Talk to me Landon.”she half yelled. “Is my sister alright?” I felt her fear and stared at her helplessly, unsure of what to say. “Erm…. she is …. erm …..”my voice trailed off into silence when Ademilade barged into the room, holding Obianuju in his arms.

Thanks heaven! she is alive! I made a mental sign of the cross.

“Uju.” Chichi jolted out of the bed and rushed to her sister. “What happened to you? Why is your husband carrying you? Can’t you walk?” she attacked her sister with questions.

 

“What are you doing here?”Obianuju frowned at her and I almost laughed at her priceless reaction.

“Erm… I came to see both you and Landon.”

“Landon!” Obianuju turned in my direction and smiled. “Hey!” She greeted and looked up at her husband as if asking for permission.

“You have just five minutes,”Ademilade said as he gently lowered her to the bed.

I couldn’t help but admire the lovely couples. The love they shared was just too strong. F**k Dave for thinking he can come in between them.

“Thanks for helping me.” She whispered softly to me.

“It is nothing.” I felt increasingly uncomfortable under her steady gaze.

“And I am sorry for everything you had to pass through in the hands of your brother.”

Tears of pain threatened to spill, but I could not, would not let her see my weakness. “Did he hurt you?” I asked calmly.

“I am fine.”she replied with a reassuring smile. “But wait! Do you like my sister?” her question caught me completely off guard.

I turned away and gazed off into space, a faraway look in my eyes. I had expected her to scold at me or even insult me, but she didn’t. Instead, she squeezed my hand gently and smiled. “I trust you will take of her.”

“Of course, I will.” The words were out of my mouth before I could stop them. Gosh! Akorede, it is time to shut your big mouth up!!!!

She chuckled softly. “I will check on you some other time.” she promised and then faced Ademilade who had a distant look in his eyes.

“Let’s go home.”

Without a word, Ademilade lifted her up bridal style in his arms and started towards the entrance.

“I am sorry.”I called out to him.

His step slowed and he turned around, facing me. “I should be the one saying that.” he smiled at me and with that, stormed out of the room.

I stared after him, confused. What does he mean by that???

 

“So……..”Chichi cleared her throat and I slowly shifted my attention to her. “What did my sister say to you?”her smile was so disarming that I couldn’t help smiling back.

“I love you.” I breathe out the words

“You love me?” she stared at me with wide-eyed. I couldn’t tell if she was surprised or shocked.

“Yes.”I nodded my head slowly and she flung herself on me. I almost yelped in pain, but quickly controlled myself and endured it. I didn’t want her to feel bad.

“I love you too Landon,” she whispered in my ears and I smiled.

I know we are young and foolish but we have the kind of love that could last forever.

*

OBIANUJU

It was exactly 12 noon when Ademilade pulled up in front of my hostel.

“Phew!”I breathe a sigh of relief. “I am finally home! Never, never and never again will I lie to my husband.”

“I am glad you have finally learned.”Ademilade drawled, stepping out of the car and I blinked my eyes several times in disbelief.
Did I just say that out?

He had a smirk on his face as he walked around the car. Oh no! my damn pride was crushed under his feet!

“Come here.”he slowly lifted me out of the car then turned, kicking the door shut.

He gazed down at me. “Are you sure you are alright?” This was the umpteenth time he was asking me this today.

I nodded my head in response.

“Good.” he climbed up the short stairs and walked through the long passage to my room.

The door was closed, but not locked. He pushed it open and we walked in to see Shakirat prowling restlessly around the room.

“Juliet.” she screamed on seeing us. “Thanks goodness! God thank you ooooo.”she sang and began to dance around us.

Somehow I found her behavior funny and I put my head down and tried to stifle my laughter. I barely did and it came out as a choking sound.

“Are you alright?”She asked, a concerned look on her face.

“Yes she is.” Ademilade answered her and gently lowered me to the bed. “She just need to rest.”

“Oh.” she nodded her head slowly. “What about Dave?” her voice sank to whispers.

“He should be in prison by now.” I happily told her.

“Tell me it is a lie. “She doubted me

“I am serious.” I frowned at her. “You can ask my husband if you want.” I shifted my gaze to Demi and saw he was staring blankly into space.

“Demi.” I called out his name softly.

“Yes! Yes! Yes!” he looked at me and smiled, then started towards the entrance.

Ha! Ha! “Where are you going?”I asked, confused by his strange behaviour.

“I need to take care of something.” he simply replied and walked out of the room.

Shakirat and I exchanged puzzled glances. What in the world is wrong with him?

TBC